BANGKOK – Protests this past week in Myanmar over persistent power shortages have provided a test of how the country’s elected but military-backed government will respond to rising expectations sparked by democratic reforms.YANGON, Myanmar – A U.S. senator who is a leading supporter of Myanmar’s democracy movement says he is impressed with the new government’s reforms but that more needs to be done.
Republican leader Mitch McConnell spoke today after meeting for more than an hour with Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He will meet President Thein Sein on Tuesday.
McConnell’s visit comes on the heels of the U.S. announcement Friday that it will restore full diplomatic relations with Myanmar following the release of hundreds of political prisoners including prominent activists.
Thein Sein came to power last year after a 2010 general election and launched limited democratic reforms reversing decades of military repression. His government seeks to have U.S. political and economic sanctions lifted.
